ALPHA'S HUMAN SURROGATE 39

CATRIONA

"Jesus Christ, Jayden, you're alive!"

“Are you okay?”

“Yes, baby. I’m alive—and okay. And it’s because of you. You brought me back,” he said, sending a thrill through me.

I launched into his arms, wrapping him in a tight hug.

“Thank you for coming back. I thought I’d lost you,” I said, my voice cracking. He hugged me back, just as tightly.

But as I held him, I noticed something was off. His body felt different—heavier, weaker. Not like the Jayden I knew. Was it the virus they mentioned? Or maybe the time he spent away from his body?

I pulled back slightly, scanning him from head to toe. He looked... changed. Physically changed.

“Jayden, are you sure you’re okay?” I asked again, unable to hide the concern in my voice.

“I’m fine, my love.”

I stood up and reached out a hand to help him, and he……